Diabetes Alert Day: A Wake-Up Call for Health and a Call to Serve

Each year, the fourth Tuesday in March serves as a powerful reminder for Americans to pause and assess their risk for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Alert Day, observed this year on March 25, 2025, is a one-day “wake-up call” led by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), encouraging the public to take a simple and fast Diabetes Risk Test to understand their personal risk factors.

The Diabetes Risk Test asks straightforward questions about weight, age, family history, and lifestyle to help individuals assess their likelihood of having prediabetes or developing type 2 diabetes. The goal is not only early detection but also empowerment — encouraging those at risk to talk with their healthcare providers and take steps toward prevention.

This year, awareness efforts get a boost thanks to a partnership with Boar’s Head®, which will donate $5 to the American Diabetes Association for every test taken, starting March 25, up to $50,000. It’s a win-win: you gain vital insight into your health, and your participation helps fund diabetes research, education, and outreach.

The statistics from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are sobering:

• 38.4 million Americans — about 11.6% of the U.S. population — have diabetes.
• 8.7 million people don’t even know they have it.
• 97.6 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, meaning their blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.
• More than 1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes, and many are unaware.

The NIH emphasizes the importance of early detection. If you have a family history of diabetes, are overweight, over age 35, or are not regularly active, your risk is higher. Fortunately, even modest lifestyle changes — such as losing 5–7% of body weight, eating healthier, and increasing physical activity — have been shown to significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A Global Cause for Lions Clubs International

For Lions Clubs International, diabetes is more than a health issue — it’s a global cause. Lions around the world are leading the charge to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the quality of life for those living with it through:

• Awareness campaigns like Strides for Diabetes, combining fun, physical activities with public education.
• Screenings to help individuals understand their risk early.
• Educational workshops on nutrition and healthy living.
• Peer support groups and youth camps for those navigating life with diabetes.
• Advocacy and distribution of diabetes resources, including glucometer kits for uninsured and underinsured patients.

What the Dallas Founder Lions Club Is Doing

Right here in Dallas, the Dallas Founder Lions Club is proud to be part of this ongoing fight. We’ve participated in public diabetes awareness, Strides for Diabetes and education events in collaboration with Lions District 2X1, helping share resources and reach those who might not otherwise have access to health screenings or educational support.

In addition, our club’s members contribute to the Texas Lions Camp, which offers a special summer camp session for children with diabetes. At camp, children can experience the joys of summer while receiving medical support and building confidence in managing their condition — all in a safe, empowering environment.

Join Us in Taking Action

On March 25, we encourage everyone to take the Diabetes Risk Test and share it with friends and family. The sooner you know your risk, the sooner you can take steps toward prevention or better health management.

At the Dallas Founder Lions Club, we believe in the power of service and education. Whether we’re supporting local clinics, contributing to life-changing camps, or spreading the word online — we serve.

Join us as we continue to support diabetes awareness, prevention, and quality of life — this week and all year long.